Posted By B. Orbany I am in a new H&S position within a paint manufactoring company. I am discovering that there is a lack of Risk Assessessments. I am not knowledgable enough yet on paint and associalted chemicals and wonder if there is anyone out there who has any H&S information specific to Paint which would help me in completing RA and ensuring the people are safe? I know this is a bit broad - but also feel we need to undertake an audit of the factory - so also wonder if there's anyone out there who has a factory audit template (or similar)? Thanks you in advance to any kind soul who can help.

Posted By B. Orbany Thanks Ian for your response and advice - gives me a good starting point.

Posted By Alexander Falconer Would also suggest talking to those involved in the process Very often these will be very experienced personnel, and very knowledgable in what they do. Use the lessons learned from your H&S training (if any) with regards to Risk Assessments, and encompass the operatives knowledge and expertise - you will then get the basis of a good starting point. From there, look at specific risk assessments, ie COSHH (contact suppliers/manufacturers of paints, review MSDS's etc), Machinery (your facilities/maintenance dept may be a good source of info, with technical files relating to paint lines, paint booths, fume extractors, etc). Your local trading standards officer will also be a good point of contact (especially if you store solvents/solvent based substances in large quantities - requires petroleum licence). In addition, also contact occupational health providers in relation to employees who handle or use such paints (especially if they are powder based, containing tgic's, some are actually carcinogenic too) - you may have an obligation to provide medicals I could go on and on However would suggest you get your hands on copies of HSE publications relating to the paint industry ie EIS 15, EIS 32, EIS 40, are some that spring to mind. Dont forget to also look at some of the common processes that relate to the preparation of products prior to painting ie solvent degreasing, surface cleaning with Trike (Trichloroethylene), and not forgetting the storage of the paints/flammable liquids/substances themselves Alex

Posted By Andy Brazier My advice would be to not try and do too much too quickly. If you do you are in danger of churning out reams of paperwork that no will ever read, and in a few months or years time you will look back and realise it is either wrong or not totally appropriate. The problem with doing an audit of the whole factory is that you are likely to find many issues, but it may not focus on the areas of real concern. I'd suggest start looking at accident and incident reports to identify any trends and talk to the staff to find out there concerns. You may be able to do a relatively small amount of work that addresses the greatest risks (Pareto principle 20% of work covers 80% of risks). Over time you can obviously do more. But by going at it steady you will be able to build on good foundations. If anyone is worried about HSE or local authority causing problems about gaps, they are usually very happy if they see that you recognise the gaps and have a realistic plan. Good luck.

Posted By Mike Nixon I have sent you a separate e-mail indicating the need for competent advice that I believe I can offer. My experience with paint, ink & printing safety (15 years) and as a surface coatings chemist for over 20 years lets me look at problems from a practical point of view. HSE will not ignore a company handling hazardous materials even if they are attempting to address the matter. COSHH, DSEAR etc. have been around for some time and the revised Fire regs. will play an important role in such a company. Yes you need to take things in stages but you also need to have an overall picture of where you are not compliant so that you can then tackle these in order of priority.